LAHORE, June 13, 2024 – The government of Punjab has announced a 25 percent increase in salaries for provincial government employees, effective from July 1, 2024.
This announcement was made during the presentation of the provincial budget for the financial year 2024-25 on Thursday.
Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, during his budget speech, acknowledged the financial strain on government employees and pensioners caused by rising inflation and the relatively low salary structure. He praised the dedication of government employees in their service to the province and emphasized the need to support them in these challenging times.
“Government employees and pensioners have been hard hit by inflation due to the lower structure of salaries,” said Shuja-ur-Rehman. “Recognizing their dedication and the inflationary pressures, we are announcing a 25 percent increase in salaries for grades 1 to 16 and a 20 percent increase for grades 17 to 22.”
In addition to the salary hikes, the finance minister also announced a 15 percent increase in pensions to support retired government employees. Moreover, the minimum wage for workers in Punjab has been raised from Rs 32,000 to Rs 37,000, providing further relief to the workforce.
The provincial government’s decision mirrors similar measures taken by the federal government, which also announced salary and pension increases the previous day. This coordinated approach underscores the commitment of both federal and provincial governments to alleviate the financial burdens on public sector employees.
The budget presentation highlighted the government’s efforts to provide economic relief and improve the living standards of its employees. The substantial salary and pension increases are expected to help mitigate the impact of inflation and enhance the financial well-being of government workers and their families.
The Punjab government’s budget for 2024-25 reflects a proactive stance in addressing the economic challenges faced by its workforce, aiming to foster a more supportive and sustainable environment for its employees. The announced increases in salaries, pensions, and minimum wages signify a robust effort to support the provincial workforce amidst rising living costs.